Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial hosts second annual Pink Out to raise awareness of breast cancer

Crowne Plaza Hotels & ResortsMay 29 2010

In a show of support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, and to help increase awareness of breast cancer, the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial is hosting its second annual Pink Out celebration.  The tournament is encouraging all fans (guys, you can do it!), officials, caddies and players to wear pink to the tournament on Saturday, May 29.

The tournament's title sponsor Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts will donate $100 for every birdie and $500 for every eagle made by a PGA Tour player during the Saturday round of the tournament.  In 2009, the pros made 325 birdies and five eagles on Saturday, which would equate to a $35,000 donation to Komen for the Cure.  

Additionally, the tournament is asking fans and viewers to show their support by making a donation to Komen via Komen's text to donate program.  Fans can make a $10 donation by texting KOMEN to 90999; the $10 charge will be added to the donor's phone bill.  Message and date rates apply, see mgive.com/a for details.

"Crowne Plaza is proud to be partnering with Colonial and Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support a cause that's so near and dear to the golf community – both players and fans alike," said Gina LaBarre, Vice President of Brand Delivery, Americas, IHG.  "Crowne Plaza and its parent company IHG are committed to giving back, which is why we've incorporated a charitable tie into our Hit It Big summer promotion that benefits Komen for the Cure."

As part of IHG's (InterContinental Hotels Group) Hit It Big promotion, guests that stay at any Crowne Plaza or IHG property between now and Aug. 31, 2010 will earn a $50 bonus starting with the second weekend stay, which can be donated to Komen for the Cure.  Crowne Plaza and IHG will match each donation made by a hotel guest dollar for dollar – a $50 donation becomes $100.  Guests must register for the promotion and must be members of IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards.  For more information, visit www.CrownePlaza.com/HitItBig.  Full terms and conditions

"Crowne Plaza and the Colonial's support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure through programs like the Pink Out and IHG's Hit It Big promotion gives us an opportunity to reach a larger audience with breast health messages," said Diana Rowden, vice president of survivorship and outcomes at Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  "Our partnership with the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial has helped us to raise funds for community-based breast health programs and research."

Every three minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.  From the start of the tournament on Pink Out Saturday, until the conclusion of play at approximately 5:30 p.m., 210 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  As a tribute to these women, 210 pink balloons will be released by breast cancer survivors at the 18th green immediately following play.  

"The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial created the Pink Out last year on the heels of Amy Mickelson's diagnosis of breast cancer," said Chuck Scherer, Tournament Chairman.  "Our focus Saturday will be on building awareness and support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure at the tournament through Pink Out II.  We're really looking forward to seeing the fan support again this year."  

Additional Pink Out II activities include:

• Rising country star Candy Coburn will perform a free concert in downtown Fort Worth on Friday, May 28 at Sundance Square at 7:30 p.m.  Known for her popular single Pink Warrior, 100% of profits from the song downloaded on iTunes are donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  
• Downtown Fort Worth skyline will be washed in pink the night of Friday, May 28 as a number of the buildings will illuminate pink lighting as a reminder of the Saturday's Pink Out.
• On Saturday at Colonial's 13th hole, fans can dress up in pink props at the Kodak Passionately Pink Photo Booth with proceeds going to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
• PGATOUR.com and the tournament's website (www.CrownePlazaInvitational.com) will change their traditional colors to pink in honor of Saturday's Pink Out.